On Tuesday 8th of March Siv and I was on our way to Birmingham. We got there in the evening and was just in time to watch from Cruft's on Tv. There was Jonna, with her Flatcoated retriever Almanza Far & Fly winning BOB and the Gundog group, Congratulations! In the evening we were at the hotell with the rest of the norwegians selebreating this great win.
On Friday we went shopping in Birmningham, that was great and we had alot of fun. The picture abowe shows us on a view-point. Later in the afternoon Siv and I went to the juniorhandler hotell. At the hotell I was interviewed by the speaker in the final ring, Peter Jolley, and got alot of information about our stay in Birmingham.
Later in the evening all the juniorhandlers with their guardians went by buss to the NEC (the show-place) for the official juniorhandling dinner. For me this was very exciting because this was our first oppertunity to get to know each other. On our table we got company of Italy, Ireland, Sweden and Netherlands. The food was good and the company too. After the dinner everybody held a short speak in english about them self and their country before we extended gifts. With my norwegian folk coustume I think I represented my self and Norway in the best way possible and I had a really great time! When we arrived at the hotell I sat down in the resteurant together with some of the other juniorhandlers until midnight.
On Saturday Siv and I took a taxi to the NEC after breakfast. When we got to the show area I saw how big Cruft's is in areal and in popularity. We got a map over all the halls, there were "only" 17. They also told us that if we wanted to visit all the halls it would "only" take us 40 min. to walk throgh the area if there were no visitors... When we came in to hall 1, there were many people and very crowded. We went directly to the Kerry-ring where we watched the best of breed judging. The rest of the day we went around in hall 1, hall 2, hall 3 and hall 4 shopping and looking at dogs and stands. It was huge over there! We also watched the group judging and all the juniorhandlers practised to the parade before we took the bus to the hotell.
Sunday was my big day. My dream and goal for many years were coming true! I represented Norway in the International Juniorhandling final with a lovely Kerry Blue Terrier bitch named Paris. A super-happy Kerry Blue full of attitude and temper, just like they should be. A big thank you to Mr. Phil Davies for grooming and lending me her. I'm so gratefull and I really enjoyed our time in the ring!
As a swap dog I got a Wippet, quite oposite from the kerry I was showing. But handeling the Wippet went very vell and I was pleased with my work in the ring. The judge was Bo Bengtson representing Usa and the vinner were from Latvia, Adell Brancevich showing a Pointer. Congratulations!
I have had a fantastic trip to Birmingham and Cruft's! The trip has given me many experiences and I have learned alot and gained many new friends from all over the world.
Since 2002, when it all started with our first Miniature Schnauzer I have learned alot, and I'm now looking forvard to the following years. I have had the best start possible, and I know one thing for sure. Whatever the furture will bring, for me, dogs will always be a part of it...
I would like to end this by thanking everebody who has helped, motivated and supported me through my juniorhandler years. A big thanks to Siv, my mom and my dad... The list is long and without all theese bricks in my puzzle I would not be were I am today.
I'm really grateful! Thank you.
